Thomas (Tommy) Arden

July 6, 1934 - April 28, 2018

Celebration of Life services for Thomas “Tommy” Arden will be held at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, May 1, 2018, in the chapel of Rader Funeral Home, Longview, Texas. Burial will follow in Rosewood Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, April 30, at the funeral home. Tommy was born July 6, 1934, in Kilgore, Rusk County, Texas to Luther and Susie Arden. He passed away April 28, 2018, in Longview. He was the owner/operator of Arden’s Auto Service for numerous years. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ann Watson and Doris Snow; and brothers, Marvin Arden, Alton Arden, Malcom Arden and Billy Arden. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 63 years, Martha; daughter, Kathy Jackson and husband John; son, Steve Arden and wife Deadre; grandchildren, Heather Jones and husband Curtis, Kristal Childs and husband Doug, Austin Arden and wife Sarah Ruth, and Wesley Jackson; great grandchildren, Lane Davenport, Mason Davenport, Clayton Carroll, Arden Rose Childs and Sybil Childs; and brothers, Bobby Arden and wife Sara, and Larry Arden and wife Mary; and sisters-in-law, Billie Jean (Malcom) Arden and Dorothy (Billy) Arden; and a host of other relatives and friends that loved him dearly. Dad was passionate about many things in life. He loved the Lord. He made a decision to follow Jesus at the age of 12 and never doubted that decision. Dad loved his family. He and Mom were inseparable. Their 63-year marriage was a partnership whether it involved business decisions or their favorite retirement pastimes of traveling and fishing. Dad loved mechanical work. He began his working career as a mechanic in the oilfield, then built a successful automotive repair business spanning more than 32 years. Dad and Mom had a fulfilling retirement/semi-retirement season beginning in 1981. You would often see them driving a motor home or pulling a camper or boat. While traveling, they would visit Christian camps and churches across the United States where Dad would work on anything with a motor to guarantee that people could be served. When Dad did not have a wrench in his hand, you can be sure he had a fishing pole. Dad was well known for his ability to maneuver the boat to the prime fishing spot while leaving Mom (and others) high and dry, ensuring he would catch the most fish! Dad will be greatly missed. Our hearts are broken, but because of his decision to follow Jesus, we know we will see him again. We also want to thank the loving team of care givers at Haven Care Nursing Facility and Compass Hospice of East Texas. You have touched our lives in a very special way during some difficult days. May God bless each of you richly.